PILOTS IN TRAINING.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18916, 3 February 1927, Page 11

PILOTS IN TRAINING.

ACTIVITY AT AERODROME. Perfect living weather i.s creating considerable activity at tlie Wigram Aerodrome, Sockburn, where the first refresher course of the year is in progress, and the humming of machines, coming and going, can be heard most of the day. Directly the present batch ut' pilots has finished the course, another batch will commence operations, starting on February 12th and fitiishing on February L'lst. These will include Captains N. E. (.'handler and D. Tnglis. D.C.M., Lieutenants I. If. N. Keith and If. C. Llovd, Sjccond-Lieutciiants L. X. Vale and \V. ('. 0. JLackie. As the Soekburn aerodrome is the mily aeroplane operating centre in New Zealand, pilots come from all parts uf the Doininon to attend the refresher courses. Altogether, approximately 50 men are expected to be put through during the next few weeks. The day's programme is as follows: »3 a.m. to 7.45 a.m., and 0 a.m. to 10 a.m.. llying; 10.13 a.m. to 11 am, machine-gun instruction; ]l am. to 11.15 a.m., break; ,11.15 a.m. to 12 noon, lectures or signalling. Most of the aftcrnoou is occupied with recreation, and pilots arc practically free until between 4 p.m. and 0.."0 p.m., when further flights are made. Uombing practice is one of the features of the present course. A Verev pistol is used in conjunction with a "bachelor mirror." the mirror, which is on the ground, being graduated so that tho spot where the hit is registered can be signalled to the pilot who reieased the shot. Tests can be made again and again, if necessary, until the object is bombed successfully. The course is supervised by Captain •T. L. Find lay, M.(\, and Captain M. Buckley, and the Director of Air Services, Mr T. M. Wilkes, is also in attendance.